Khaptad National Park Trek 9 days to Nepal's 'hidden paradise' - a 225 sq km rolling plateau of grasslands, forest, and the ashram of Khaptad Baba. Easy far west wilderness.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Max altitude
- 3,300 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Group size
- Max 14
- From
- US$690
Region: Western Nepal Region
Overview
The Khaptad National Park Trek is an 9-day easy-grade trek in Khaptad National Park, a 225 sq km protected area in far west Nepal known as the ‘hidden paradise’ for its rolling grassland plateaus, dense oak and rhododendron forest, and the ashram of the late Khaptad Baba, a revered Hindu sage. The trek begins with a flight to Dhangadhi and a jeep ride to Silgadhi, then climbs through traditional villages and forest to reach the Khaptad plateau at 3,000m. The park is home to leopards, Himalayan tahr, wild boar, and over 287 bird species, plus 22 species of medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. The maximum altitude of 3,300m is moderate and accessible to most fit trekkers.
Know Before You Book – Khaptad National Park Trek Information
Trip Name: Khaptad National Park Trek – 8 Days
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 3300m
Group Size: Max 14
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Easy. Easy treks involve 4-5 hours of walking daily on well-maintained trails. Suitable for fit beginners and families. The maximum altitude is 3300m. You need a fitness level of Moderate – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Khaptad Vs Offbeat Nepal Treks Scenery Difficulty, Khaptad Trek Guide Experience Matters Safe Far West Nepal.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. Summer (June to August) sees some rain but Rara and Khaptad are relatively dry. Winter (December to February) is cold but offers clear mountain views.
Read our seasonal guides: Khaptad Trek Best Season Photography Meadows Forests Wildlife, Khaptad Trek Dates Best Trekking Season.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Khaptad Trek Food And Accommodation Guide, Khaptad Trek Food Lodging Transport Reliability.
Transportation
Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Khaptad Trek Transport Plan From Australia, Nepalgunj Simikot Flight Reliability.
Required Permits
Khaptad National Park Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Khaptad National Park Trekking Permits Required, Khaptad National Park Permit Guided Package.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 3300m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: Rara Lake Trek Emergency Handling Remote Western Nepal, Khaptad Trek Main Safety Concerns.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions, Nepal Treks Mixed Fitness Adventure Group.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 3300m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: Nepal Trekking Travel Insurance, Nepal Peak Climbing Travel Insurance Australians Check.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds, Rara Lake Mugu Village Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
Highlights
- Visit Khaptad National Park, Nepal's 'hidden paradise' with rolling grassland plateaus.
- Walk through the ashram of Khaptad Baba, a revered Hindu sage.
- Spot leopards, Himalayan tahr, and over 287 bird species.
- Experience traditional far-western Nepali culture in villages unchanged for centuries.
- Easy 8-day itinerary ideal for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400 m
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 2: Fly to Dhangadhi & Drive to Silgadhi
1,670 m
Morning flight to Dhangadhi, then 5-hour jeep ride to Silgadhi.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Silgadhi (1670 m)
Day 3: Trek to Jhigrana
2,170 m
Begin trekking through terraced fields and traditional villages.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Jhigrana (2170 m)
Day 4: Trek to Khaptad
3,000 m
Climb through oak and rhododendron forest to reach the Khaptad plateau.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Khaptad (3000 m)
Day 5: Explore Khaptad National Park
3,300 m
Full day exploring the rolling plateaus, the Khaptad Baba ashram, and viewpoints.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Khaptad (3300 m)
Day 6: Trek to Bajhang
1,250 m
Begin the descent through traditional villages.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Bajhang (1250 m)
Day 7: Drive to Dhangadhi
180 m
Long jeep ride back to Dhangadhi. Celebration dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight: Dhangadhi (180 m)
Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu
1,400 m
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Evening free for souvenir shopping and rest. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 9: Final Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Trip concludes. Optional extensions to Chitwan safari, Bhutan, or Tibet available on request. Thank you for trekking with Mount Everest Go – we hope to welcome you back to Nepal soon.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
Permits
- Khaptad National Park Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card.
Things to Carry / Packing
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
FAQs
How difficult is the Khaptad National Park Trek and what fitness do I need?
This trek is rated Easy and suitable for beginners with basic fitness, 4-5 hours of walking daily. The maximum altitude is 3300m. You need a fitness level of Moderate – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.
Read more: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions.
What permits and documents do I need?
Required permits: Khaptad National Park Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 3300m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.
Related permit guides: Khaptad National Park Trekking Permits Required.
When is the best time to do the Khaptad National Park Trek?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. Summer (June to August) sees some rain but Rara and Khaptad are relatively dry. Winter (December to February) is cold but offers clear mountain views.
Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?
Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.
Read our altitude safety guides: Rara Lake Trek Emergency Handling Remote Western Nepal, Khaptad Trek Main Safety Concerns.
What accommodation and meals are included?
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.
What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?
Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.
Packing guides: Limi Valley Trek Package Camping Gear Meals Staff Simikot Flights.